How to protect yourself, your babyand your family againstharmful chemicals.

english edition

small tips, big impact

Eat healthy! Buy fresh, unpackaged food, if possible – regional, seasonal and organically grown.

Store your food in glass or porcelain containers. Hazardous chemicals from plastic containers can leach into your food.

Minimise your contact with harmful chemicals: Avoid spray cans, hair dye, paints or varnishes. Use eco-friendly cleaning products, and use them economically and in

diluted amounts.

Favour products with ecological labels, such as the “EU Flower”, the “Blue Angel”, “Natrue”, “Cosmos” or “Spielgut".

Ventilate for five to ten minutes several times a day and clean floors regularly. This eliminates polluted dust and air from indoors.

Avoid scented candles, room sprays and toilet blocks, they are unnecessary as they pollute the air in your home.

Simple ways to reduce everyday hazardous chemicals

6 Tipsfor the start

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Congratulations, you’re pregnant!

You’re overjoyed about your pregnancy and want to embark on ensuring you and your baby are healthy. You’re aware you should avoid alcohol, cigarettes and certain food products. Less obvious, however, are the dangers which chemicals lurking in foodstuffs, cosmetics, cleaning products and textiles could pose to your health.

During your pregnancy and in the early stages of life, you and your baby are extremely vulnerable to external factors such as hazardous chemicals. It is advisable that you try and reduce your exposure to these factors as much as possible.

This leaflet aims to give you and your family some simple tips on how to reduce your contact with hazardous chemicals in everyday situations, which could help you reduce exposure and protect your child and family against their harmful effects. While consumers shouldn't have to avoid certain products, until there is effective regulation we must act to protect ourselves.

Your WECF Nesting-Team

a healthy start to life

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BE A CONSCIENTIOUS SHOPPER AND BUY LESS!

Be a conscious shopper: less is more. Take time to think about what you really need. With every product, you may be taking more hazardous chemicals into your home.

while shopping

5����If possible, avoid plastic products. In particular soft PVC (Recycling-code 3) and polycarbonates (Recy-cling-code PC or 07), they could contain harmful plasticizers like Phthalates or Bisphenol A (BPA).

5����Many things, such as baby accessoires and furni-ture made from wood, can be bought second-hand and may contain less hazardous chemicals.

5�����Buy organic and eco-labeled products, preferably unpacked.

5����Smell products, avoid those which smell strongly of chemicals or are heavily scented as they are more likely to emit hazardous chemicals into your surroundings.

5��� Independent reviews are helpful for purchasing decisions. You can find these online or in review magazines.

5����� It can be hard to identify the materials used in many products like textiles, shoes or furniture. While shopping, ask about products’ contents.

Our app “Giftfrei einkaufen” (toxic-free shopping) lists chemicals to avoid.

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pregnancy, babies and chemicals

Pesticides on fruit and vegetables, softeners in plastic, fragrances in washing and cleaning products, preservatives in cosmetics – many

everyday products contain chemicals which could be harmful to both you and your child’s health. They can be allergenic, irritate the respiratory system and the skin, impair fertility and may be carcinogenic. Especially problematic are chemicals which mimic hormones (so called EDCs, Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals, also called “hormone disrupters”).

EDCs are found in many everyday products such as food, plastic packaging, cans, receipts made from thermal paper, cosmetics and much more.If EDCs make their way into the human body, they can interfere with the body messenger system (the endocrine system) and so disrupt hormone-controlled development phases in the womb. Developing foetuses are particularly sensitive to EDCs because the body's own hormonal system controls the healthy development and functions of the body. If it is disturbed, this may result in health problems which either present at birth or much later in life.

The World Health Organization suspects there is a link between EDCs and the increasing emergence of hormone-induced types of cancer (such as breast, testicular and prostate cancers), fertility disorders, reduced sperm quality, obesity, adult-onset diabetes, neurological diseases, earlier pubertyand menopause.

be mindful!

EDCS

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Cosmetics and skin care products often contain a cocktail of chemi-cals. They can contain chemicals and substances which are potentially allergenic and are even suspected of being carcinogenic. Some preservatives like parabens or UV filters affect hormones. Look for certified organic products, use less or make your own. By doing so you could effectively reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and substances.

It might be difficult but if possible, refrain from using hair dye during your pregnancy and nursing period. Dyes contain very toxic, allergenic chemicals. Even so-called natural-based products also contain irritating and allergenic chemicals.

Nail varnishes and removers are sources of toxic chemicals – they are best to be avoided.

When buying cosmetics or skin care products, its best to choose certified organic products, consider using less or make your own.

You can also try making cosmetic products yourself. Pure organic plant-based oils are best. Instructions for these are online. Avoid essential

oils as they can irritate the skin. Store in a cool place, in glass or porcelain containers.

PRETTY BUT TOXIC-FREE,HOW DOES THAT WORK?

IN THE BATHROOM

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Chemicals can be released from furniture, textiles, wall paint, electronic gadgets, plastics and many other products. They can accumulate in the air and dust where they can be breathed in and absorbed through the skin.

� You can reduce this risk by regularly vacuuming, dusting and wiping surfaces. You should also frequently air your home.

AT HOME reducing hazardous chemicals, but how?

� Cleaning products labelled “irritant” or “corrosive” can harm health. Antibacterial cleaners and

disinfectants are unnecessary in the home.

When using cleaning products: less is still effective! Choose eco- friendly products without phosphates, bleach, solvents, preservatives and disinfectant, as well as fragrances. Use products sparingly. A mild multipurpose cleaner, citric acid or vinegar for descaling, a mild scouring agent and bicarbonate of soda will suffice. Look out for ecological labels. Wire sponges, brushes, toilet plungers and microfiber cloths will reduce the use of chemicals.

if available, buy organic fruit

and vegetables as

they are free from pesticides

eat fresh food!

Glass is better

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Pregnant women are literally eating for two. With little effort you can minimize hazardous chemicals in the kitchen and at the dinner table – also for when the baby has arrived.

in the kitchen

� Purchase drinks for yourself and your children in glass bottles. PET bottles leach plastic softeners and other toxic chemicals; unfortunately, even BPA-free plastic bottles can still contain other harmful bisphenols.

Sea fish like halibut, swordfish, tuna can accumulate traces of mercury. Oily fish such as salmon, herring and eel can contain long-lasting

hazardous chemicals. It is best to completely avoid these types of fish.

� Store foodstuff in porcelain or glass containers. Do not heat non-stick pans to very high temperatures as this could release toxic particles.

Cast-iron or stainless steel are good alternatives. Do not reheat or microwave foodstuffs in plastic containers.

varied, fresh and organic

Cooking fresh is best – avoid processed or canned foodstuffs. Tins often have coatings which can release BPA and other bisphenols. Plastic packaging contains plastic softeners, among other harmful chemicals, which can leach into the foodstuff. Choose unpackaged products, thereby reducing both harmful chemicals and waste.

��� paint-tip: use water based, low-emission,

solvent-free products, best with ecological

labels, like the "blue angel"

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When a baby arrives, the nesting instincts are awakened: there is a flurry of renovations and refurbishments. Yet, hidden in many paints, varnishes, fabrics, furniture and mattresses are toxic chemicals which are neither good for you or your baby. Pregnant women should let others make the necessary renovations. Also, it is important to undertake renovations in good time, at least 3 months prior to the due date. Then, allow your home to ventilate.

cozy and as toxic-freeas possible

a nest for your child

Avoid anti-mold paints as they contain harmful biocides which can affect the indoor air quality long-term. Look for paper or acrylic wall papers and soluble paste; vinyl wall paper contains toxic PVC and plastic softeners.

Flooring should be PVC-free. Wood, natural linoleum, stone or cork flooring are good for a healthy interior environment and easily cleaned. Carpets or rugs (without a PVC base) can be easily

removed and cleaned.

Remove all packaging from a new mattress and air it thoroughly before you or your baby sleep on it.

Look out for ecological labels when purchasing furniture or fabrics. A good alternative is second-hand solid wood furniture.

WorkspacePay strict attention to workplace health and safety guidance during pregnancy. If you work with fabrics, cosmetics or hair products, plastics or other toxic chemicals regularly ventilate rooms. If you have further questions, refer to your doctor or union.

MedicationWe recommend: During pregnancy, only take medication and nutritional supplements after consulting your doctor.

before first using new clothing, bed linen and soft toys, it´s best to wash with a small

amount of fragrance free washing powder.

avoid fabric softener!

What else? Passive-smokingTake to care to ensure you have a smoke-free environment. Clothing and soft furnishings absorb smoke and therefore act as a source of toxic chemicals.

Phones, Smartphones and Wi-FiAlthough the risks posed by electrical smog have not yet been fully proven, scientists advise caution. Switch off your Wi-Fi when not in use, and do not carry your phone on your person or leave it near your child while switched on.

congratulations!your baby has arrived

Here are a few more tips on how you could further cut down on harmful chemicals:

It is sufficient to bathe your child once or twice a week. Organic plant oil, e.g olive oil, can be used as a simple alternative to bath-essence. A mild soap is best for washing. Wet-wipes appear practical but contain synthetic fragrances and produce unnecessary waste. If you must, only resort to them when travelling. At home, a wet cloth will do the trick.

Cotton and reusable nappies are a good alternative to disposables. When buying disposable nappies buy those branded as fragrance-free and with ecological labels.

Washing powders, cleaning agents, and cosmetics all contain synthetic fragrances. Air fresheners and scented candles can also be allergenic. Simply reduce the overall amount of synthetic fragrances you use around the house.

Prams, car seats, toys and many other accessories can contain numerous harmful chemicals. Independent tests and labels help when purchasing. These are also helpful when you are buying second-hand, as you can look out for certified labels and avoid poorly reviewed products.

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www.nestbau.info

- Testresults from Öko-Test and the product testing from Stiftung Warentest- Code Check – the App for your phone www.codecheck.info/app - ToxFox-App from BUND: www.bund.net/chemie/toxfox/ - Ask Reach – For questions on product contents: www.reach-info.de/verbraucherfrage.html

Other useful aids are (in German):

disclaimer

do you want more information?

These brochures were funded by: Landeshauptstadt München, Referat für Gesundheit und Umwelt, Deutsche Postcode Lotterie, FrauenGesundheitsZentrum München, Beratungsstelle für Natürliche Gebur and Elternsein e.V., European Environment and Health Initiative (EEHI), and the European Comission.

Women Engage for a Common Future, WECF e.V., www. wecf.org Sankt-Jakobs-Platz 10, 80331 Munich, Tel: +49 89 2323938-10 Text and concept: Johanna Hausmann, V.i.S.d.P. Annemarie Mohr Cooperation with: FrauenGesundheitsZentrum München, Beratungsstelle für Natürliche Geburt und Elternsein e.V., Pro Familia München Layout: www.vgdesign.info, Illustrationen: Gili Feigenbaum and vgdesign Contact: info@nestbau.info

A publication by WECF within the framework of programme Nesting ©2019

www.wecf.org

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WECF is responsible for this publication´s content. We are not liable for the contents of linked publications by third parties.These brochures contribute to the implementation of the UN´s Sustainable Developement Goals (SDGs), in particular SDG 3 and SDG 12. You can find further information at www. makeeuropesustainableforall.org/

we have put together these tips on our website www.nestbau.info. the app "giftfrei einkaufen" (toxic-free shopping) is another practical tool for when you´re out and about.this information is available only in german.